Koehler reminds residents of extended license expiration dates, online services

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is reminding drivers they now have an additional three months to renew their licenses.

“By extending the deadline for Illinoisans to renew their licenses or registration, and offering many services through the secretary of state’s website, we can avoid crowded facilities,” Koehler said. “I hope residents will take advantage of online secretary of state services from the safety of their own homes for the time being.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have been extended to March 31, 2022, with the exception of commercial driver’s licenses. The extension comes as secretary of state offices across Illinois continue to get caught up following COVID-19-related closures to their daily operations. 

To cut down on long lines and wait times, Koehler encourages people to take advantage of the secretary of state’s online services at ilsos.gov. These services include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

Koehler is also reminding residents the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 3, 2023. Current Illinois driver’s licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

More information and online services, including license plate renewal, can be found at ilsos.gov.

Koehler announces over $3.5 million in state funding for local airports

PEORIA – Four local airports across the district State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) represents will receive much-needed upgrades thanks to over $3.5 million in state funding.

“Local airports in Central Illinois are vital to our economy,” Koehler said. “They offer the ability to move people and products in a safe and efficient manner and provide good-paying jobs to many members of our community.”

The funding is provided through the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, and designates a total of $94 million for 96 airport projects in both urban and rural communities across the state. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Local airports will receive the following amounts of state funding:

• General Wayne A. Downing ‐ Peoria International Airport, $900,000
• Ingersoll Airport, $360,000
• Mount Hawley Auxiliary Airport, $634,500
• Pekin Municipal Airport, $1,665,000

“The grants allow smaller airports in our state to make much-needed repairs, modernize their facilities and attract more passengers,” Koehler said. “I look forward to seeing how these upgrades will help revitalize our community."

A full list of recipients as well as designated projects can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

Koehler invites local small businesses to be featured in holiday campaign

PEORIA – In an effort to support and promote small businesses ahead of the holiday season, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is launching a social media campaign to feature local small businesses.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of our small businesses struggling to stay afloat,” Koehler said. “Now more than ever, it’s vital to support our small businesses as they get back on their feet.”

Koehler encourages small business owners interested in being featured on his social media to provide information about their businesses here. Businesses invited to participate include restaurants, retail shops and businesses that provide personal services, like spas and salons.

“I hope residents will remember to shop small as we head into the holiday season,” Koehler said.

Questions can be directed to Senator Koehler’s Peoria office by calling 309-677-0120 or visiting SenatorDaveKoehler.com.

Koehler encourages residents to use new Getting Around Illinois map for safe winter travel

PEORIA – With winter weather on the horizon, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is urging residents to use the Getting Around Illinois road conditions map to ensure safe travel this winter.

“Driving on snowy, icy roads can be challenging and dangerous, whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for decades,” Koehler said. “We all want to get to our destinations safely, and Getting Around Illinois can help us achieve that goal.”

The revamped map will show how weather events are impacting roads under the jurisdictions of the more than 120 snow-and-ice removal teams that work out of Illinois Department of Transportation facilities throughout the state. Additionally, conditions on interstates and U.S. routes, which carry the most traffic in Illinois, will be given priority reporting status and appear more boldly on the map.

“Illinois winters are notorious for changing quickly and drastically, sometimes over just a few miles. These improvements to Getting Around Illinois will give travelers information that’s more reliable and more local,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “I urge you to bookmark and regularly check this valuable resource to help you stay safe and prepared throughout the winter.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on both computers and smartphones, with the winter road conditions feature alone averaging more than 2.5 million views each year. A short video on how to use the new map and review conditions can be viewed here.